Description

The Starfish Country Home School is a free bilingual alternative school for needy children in rural Chiangmai province or northern Thailand, although its current ~80 children age three to 12 still have limited capability in using English. The rural site, which was formerly a resort, has attractive facilities including a large new school, two swimming pools, tennis court and a performance building. It is located about 45 km (27 miles) from the city of Chiangmai.

The volunteer or intern will teach young children classical and modern ballet and preferably some combination of other forms of dance, vocal and instrumental music, acting, performing and visual arts, gymnastics, yoga, games, swimming, sports, photography, etc. All volunteers and interns are involved in teaching the children English through formal classes, special lessons or direct contact.

The Starfish Country Home School's students regularly produce ballet and theater performances.

The position does not require a knowledge of Thai language although that would be useful.

This position requires work on most weekends and after 3 PM on at least three weekdays. Volunteers or interns can stay in a modern room at the site and eat free at the site and can, if desired, stay free at our Starfish Home site in the city when not otherwise working. Volunteers and interns can expect to work about eight hours a day on weekends and four hours a day on each of three weekdays.

Volunteers or interns must commit to stay at least three months but preferably at least six months. Volunteers or interns that have completed at least one year will be supported to obtain a work permit and will receive reimbursement of their initial visa and visa renewal expenses. Volunteers or interns that have completed one full year can receive travel reimbursement of up to USD 800.

The Starfish Country Home School has a Child Protection Policy that is enforced.

Highlights

The young, enthusiastic and sometimes talented children. Living in quiet surroundings. Opportunities for creative expression. There is the possibility for independent travel in the region during some school breaks.

Qualifications

The volunteer or intern must have experience in classical and modern ballet. The person must have some additional skills in the arts or in leading activities for children etc. that they can teach others. Although a knowledge of Thai language would be useful, it is not required. The person may be required to provide references and be certified to have no criminal record.

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Reimbursable visa and work permit costs

Credit Available

yes

Salary/Pay

Reimbursement of initial visa and work permit costs after completion of one full year. Free use of a modern room and food consumed at the site.

Experience Required

yes

A minimum of ballet and other forms of dance.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Most previous volunteers have been recent university graduates or in their 30s with relevant experience.

Age Range

>18

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application
• In-Person Interview when Feasible

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 month

Starfish Country Home School Foundation's Mission Statement

The Starfish Country Home School will provide a quality education and living environment for all of its students so that they can lead a happy and productive lives. Academic excellence, individual creativity, personal responsibility and concern for others and for the environment are our goals.

Year Founded

2005